Superintendent Charles Ford Jr. asks voters to go to the polls for Tuesday's referendum.
To the Editor:
The Deptford Township Board of Education is asking the community to vote Tuesday on a bond referendum that is split into two questions: Question 1 is for about $68 million, and Question 2 is for about $28 million, a total of $97 million.
Question 1 may be passed on its own but Question 2 cannot pass on its own. Voting will be from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Deptford Township High School.
This letter is not to debate voting for or against the school bond, but to provide information to the community. This is the same approach I have assumed since the conception of the referendum.
Mayor Paul Medany and the township council are doing an excellent job of revitalizing and expanding the town, one of many reasons I am proud to be the superintendent. New residential construction will have a significant impact on our school district.
Our enrollment numbers have remained consistent; however, these figures do not take into consideration the students enrolled in our pre-kindergarten and shared-time programs.
I would be remiss if l did not prepare for the potential development the mayor and council envision. Reduction of class size and increased academic space for students can provide a higher quality education for our students.
Developing a higher level of security, with the addition of secure vestibules in every school, is paramount. Almost all of our buildings were constructed before the violence and safety issues that now affect our students and staff daily.
I remain available to clarify questions regarding the bond issue via phone and email.
I envision Deptford schools being the best in Gloucester County. This referendum is the first step in that plan. An outdated infrastructure that has not been addressed in more than 10 years is the reality, and I must change that trend in order for our students to be able to compete with our surrounding communities.
I understand the community does not want a property tax increase, but we cannot fiscally sustain the improvements that are necessary within our general fund. This is all money that will be reinvested directly to our students.
Dr. Charles R. Ford Jr.
Superintendent
Deptford Township Schools
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